The title doesn't match the research. The title suggests you can 'grow stronger without lifting weights' while the research suggests more that you can 'under circumstances of immobility, you can prevent some strength loss from the condition of immobility by thinking about lifting weights'.

The other point is that neural factors have long been well-understood as a part of the process of gaining strength (also transfer effects of unilateral work for the unbroken side for injured athletes is well studied), and neural improvements coming quickly has always been a disappointment for our young bros seeking swoledom - "my bench press is now 70kg rather than 45kg and I'm still no bigger"? (patience, broham).

The problem is that neural factors are pretty easy to train up in a big way (when you are no longer weirdly 'shaking' as you lift, you've gotten most of that) and then the hard work starts. It's nice that you can get this from thinking about lifting, but it's serious beginner gains we're talking about, and illustrating this article with a super-buff guy who has clearly put in some hypertrophy is a bit sensational.